Being a bridesmaid no longer means donning head-to-toe matching outfits. Mixing and matching separates, playing with colours and details, or allowing each lady to choose her own most flattering dress shape lets you offer your attendants something much more than a place in your bridal party: the opportunity to look and feel their best in the spotlight.
Accent Individuality
Who says your attendant outfits must be monochrome? Use accent colours to spruce up their dresses and allow you to give each bridesmaid an individual look. For instance, put one attendant in a turquoise dress with a lime-green sash, another in a solid turquoise shift, a third in a lime sheath with turquoise edging at the hemline. Purchase all the dresses from the same manufacturer and in the same fabric, although you can opt for a second material for the accent colour. You can also use accent accessories as well as accent prints to punch up basic dress silhouettes.
Consider Separates
We love the idea of a festive ball skirt paired with a cashmere twin set. And, most bridesmaids would agree because the skirts (usually in an A-line or bias-cut) flatter virtually all figures, and the tops may be worn after the wedding. Plus, the ladies can wear their cardigans while you’re exchanging vows, then shed the top layer during the reception. Keep in mind that you don’t have to order the top and bottom from the same manufacturer. Some retailers will let you purchase separates from two different designers and, if you’re a sleuthing bride, you may even find an amazing top right off-the-rack.
Perfect Your Palette
To evoke a particular mood, choose several colours with the same tone that work together (interior decorators use this trick all the time). For example, if you love tropical hues, dress your attendants in turquoise, yellow, lime green, and coral. Having trouble settling on a palette? Consider your apartment decorating and wardrobe preferences: Do you like being surrounded by demure pastels, or does your taste lean more toward bold brights? Whatever tone you choose, the dresses should all be the same fabric.
Even if your attendants wear the same dress, you can customise their bouquets to make them feel special. While you’ll want to select colours that work with your wedding scheme, you can choose multiple shades of the same flower, or mix and match several flowers and/or colours. A fun option is to vary the shapes of the arrangements. If your attendants are wearing different colour dresses, decorate their bouquets with matching ribbons.
